Councilperson Russ Balthis

09/10/2026

I love watching as downtown Cuyahoga Falls keeps getting more and more vibrant, and this new mural at Metropolis Popcorn - Cuyahoga Falls on Front Street is a perfect example. What used to be a blank wall is now a genuine landmark, thanks to Akron artist Lizzi Aronhalt and the Wall Call partnership between ArtsNow and the City of Cuyahoga Falls.

Projects like this are exactly what public investment in the arts should do: support a talented artist, help a local business become a destination, and give our community something that feels unmistakably ours. Huge thanks to ArtsNow, Collide: Cuyahoga Falls, Metropolis, and everyone who brought it to life.

Go check it out at Front Street and Portage Trail-- and grab some popcorn while you're there.

09/09/2026

Falls neighbors! My September newsletter is out.

This month: where we're paving — a record $4 million into roads across 43 streets this year; the new fire station and training complex taking shape on Northampton Road; what's new downtown; and our Community Survey Forum on Tuesday, Sept 29 at 6 p.m. at the Natatorium.

It's the easiest way to keep up with what City Council is working on, and I always want to hear from you.

Read the full update at the link in the comments!

09/03/2026

Check it out!

09/03/2026

REMINDERS:
TODAY: I am holding office hours today from 5:30-7pm at Dunkin, 1760 State Road, with Councilmember Nikki Cebula- Ward 3. I know many of you had questions about State Road in the Community Survey-- feel free to also bring those tonight. No RSVP or appointment necessary; just drop in.

TOMORROW: Last day to fill out my annual Cuyahoga Falls Community Survey and share your thoughts on what's working and what's needed in our city. You can fill it out here: https://forms.gle/mjjGedYUJZG4nb3D6

SAVE THE DATE: Community Forum on September 29 at 6pm at the Natatorium to share the survey results and hear from you in person!

08/20/2026

Please fill out the Cuyahoga Falls community survey!
https://forms.gle/9ZE3W13gAmenLBv47

Cuyahoga Falls— I want to hear from you.

My 2nd annual Community Survey is open now: https://forms.gle/iaAn3zqcrqCAvtBWA

Your feedback matters. Last summer, hundreds of you responded, saying that roads and infrastructure were your top concern. This year we put a record amount of funding into the City budget for roads because of it.

Please share what's working, what isn't, and where you'd like to see Cuyahoga Falls go next. Your responses are anonymous unless you choose to share your name, and the survey closes Friday, September 4. Like last year, I'll hold a community forum this fall to share the results with all of you and we can have an open discussion.

Please share the link with your family, friends, and neighbors.

08/15/2026

Welcome Crosby!!!

Everyone, meet Crosby!

Crosby is the newest member of the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department, and he’s already winning hearts around the station.

This sweet boy was rescued from Florida and specially selected through the K9s For Warriors Station Dog Program. K9s For Warriors partners with law enforcement and first responder agencies to provide reliable, high-quality therapy dogs that offer emotional support to officers, firefighters, dispatchers, victims, and others exposed to trauma in the line of duty.

Crosby is working hard on his obedience skills and has already proven that he’s very, very good at one thing: loving people.

Welcome to Cuyahoga Falls, Crosby! We’re so happy you’re here.

08/12/2026

Cuyahoga Falls— I want to hear from you.

My 2nd annual Community Survey is open now: https://forms.gle/iaAn3zqcrqCAvtBWA

Your feedback matters. Last summer, hundreds of you responded, saying that roads and infrastructure were your top concern. This year we put a record amount of funding into the City budget for roads because of it.

Please share what's working, what isn't, and where you'd like to see Cuyahoga Falls go next. Your responses are anonymous unless you choose to share your name, and the survey closes Friday, September 4. Like last year, I'll hold a community forum this fall to share the results with all of you and we can have an open discussion.

Please share the link with your family, friends, and neighbors.

08/03/2026

COMING UP: Office Hours + Fireworks night!

Get a scoop of ice cream and get your city questions answered!

Join me for office hours on Friday, Aug 7th from 5–6pm at Pav's Creamery (2162 Front Street), and then stick around downtown for Front Street Live and the rescheduled America 250 fireworks display.

See you there!

07/28/2026

FYI!

Starting Tuesday, July 28, resurfacing work will begin on Portage Trail between 2nd Street and 13th Street.

Construction will temporarily mean rough pavement, lane restrictions, and delays, but it's all part of delivering a smoother, longer-lasting roadway.

As you travel through the area, please slow down, stay alert, and follow all posted signs and directions from flaggers or police officers. Slowing down helps protect both motorists and the crews working just feet away from passing traffic.

Thank you for your patience as we make these much-needed improvements to one of our community's busiest roadways.

07/16/2026

Due to the current air quality conditions affecting Northeast Ohio, the City of Cuyahoga Falls is taking precautionary measures to help protect the health and safety of residents, staff, and visitors.

The following changes are in effect for today:

-Water Works Family Aquatic Center is closed.
-Mobile Recreation programming has been canceled.
-City wading pools are closed.
-The Community Band Concert will still take place, but has been moved indoors to the Quirk Cultural Center. The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. as scheduled.

Air quality conditions can pose health risks, particularly for children, older adults, and individuals with certain medical conditions. Residents are encouraged to limit prolonged outdoor activity until air quality improves.

The City will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates if additional schedule changes become necessary.